Producers seeking to shoot film at SU

Actors and producers Mel Jackson (“Soul Food”) and David Haines (“Ali”) of Clearlight Entertainment had a meeting with Interim-Chancellor Margaret Ambrose yesterday to discuss a chance to film a motion picture on Southern University’s campus.
According to Haines, while tax credit incentives were a reason why filming would take place in Baton Rouge-with the city becoming the number three production center in America according to an article released by The Advocate-they love the community aspect of the city.
“I like Baton Rouge, it has the skill base that’s needed in this industry,” said Haines.
Prior to filming, Ambrose will have to present a proposal to the Southern University Board and Administration that process could take around two weeks according to Haines.
Southern’s administration may be hesitant to film on campus due to the negative publicity of the first season of reality show “College Hill” by BET which took place on Southern’s campus though according to Jackson, their films will portray blacks in a positive manner only.
“Through our film’s we want to do three things; Entertain, Educate and Enlighten,” said Jackson. “We get an opportunity to control the images of those who look like us and have our experience.”
While information on the film could not be released at the time, Haines said the film would be a female version of “Stomp the Yard”.
According to Haines, if the movie is filmed on campus it could provide jobs for the community and could lead to community service projects with Student Association Government President Carey Ash who is excited with the project.
“I think it’s going to be a wonderful opportunity for Southern,” said Ash.” If this is Willy Wonka, this could be our golden ticket.”
Junior mass communications major from Port Arthur, Texas Cris Granger has become a tour guild/ representative for the two actors/producers.
Granger was doing a class project near the McDonalds on the corner of Harding Blvd and Scenic Hwy when both Jackson and Haines asked for directions around Southern.
“It’s a great experience which is added by the fact that all it came out of random,” said Granger.
Donald Smith, a sophomore computer science major, feels that movie production on campus is good for the school.
“It aint to bad, it would be nice to see Southern on the big screen,” said Smith.